If you want to debate the secrets to winning RPS, Leshem can talk about the chaos theory, random mathematical patterns and psychological strategies.

He has studied with and even beaten Master Roshambollah, probably the greatest player of the sport ever, Leshem said.

RPS is a hand game for two players. At the same time, each player reveals one of three signs: a fist, which means rock; the hand out with fingers extended, which means paper; or the split-finger (think peace sign), which means scissors.

According to the rules, rock smashes scissors, scissors cut paper and paper covers rock. If both players throw the same sign, it's a draw.

Leshem also practices boxing for strength and agility and pilates for flexibility.

"Certainly being physically fit makes a big difference. I am very serious about my physical training for Rock Paper Scissors," Leshem said, although the most strenuous activity the game requires is for a player to show his hands.

From bars and hotel lounges across the country, regional RPS champs will converge in Las Vegas this weekend for the 2008 USA Rock Paper Scissors League Championship.

Houston champ Juan Sanz will be among the 300 RPS athletes competing for $50,000 and a trip to the Olympics in Beijing.

Sanz said he was just chilling on the South Padre Island beach when he heard about the competition at a Howard Johnson Inn and thought it sounded like something fun to do.

"I just went over there and was competing and, I don't know, somehow I won," said Sanz, a University of Houston student who works at Chelsea's Wine Bar.

He was surprised when the tournament promoters told him he had won a trip to Vegas.

Sanz can't explain his success.

"I say I don't have a strategy, but I think I just pretty much wonder if the other person would be willing to throw the same sign out again," said Sanz, who says he rarely throws out the same sign consecutively and never opens with the same sign when play starts.

"Part of me thinks it's chance," Sanz said.

This is the third year for the national Vegas competition, which will be telecast in the fall on Fox Sports Network, and Leshem predicts a level of play that could not have been imagined three years ago.

"There are competitors from the Northeast that are coming up with a certain urban quality to their play that is ... 'frightening' — is the word I would use," the commissioner said.

The Vegas winner will represent the United States during the Olympic Games.

RPS is not an Olympic sport, Leshem noted, so the contest will be held at a Club Bud in Beijing — Bud Light is the official sponsor of the Vegas championship.

Leshem likes Sanz's chances of winning the RPS title this weekend.

"I don't know a lot about him. I've just seen tapes of him playing, but he's got a certain quality — a certain finesse in his throw that I have rarely seen," Leshem said. "And he's got a certain Texas-style swagger about him. It's a beautiful thing."

Rock Paper Scissors is played between two players. It's an equal opportunity sport. No equipment is necessary, though some players prefer to wear ``throwing gloves'' for maximum comfort and intimidation. All you need is an arm and a wrist and fingers. It is best to wear loose-fitting clothes, and pre-game stretching and manicures are strongly encouraged.

The throws

There are three permissible ``throws'' in RPS: Rock, Paper or Scissors. Rock crushes scissors, scissors cuts paper and paper covers rock. There are NO exceptions. When two players ``shoot'' the same throw, it is a stalemate, and they must throw again.

A player who makes an illegal throw - including but not limited to Hang Loose, Westsi-ide, Fire, Water, the Bird, the Fonz, Su-Fi, Live Long and Prosper, Texas Longhorn, the Big and I've Got Your Nose - will lose a point and may be disqualified.

Rock can be thrown any way as long as the fist is clenched, as if you're squeezing the life out of Stuart Little.

Scissors is formed with your index finger and middle finger extended and shaped like a V. It can be thrown horizontally or vertically (Please note that international rules differ.)

Paper is formed by extending all your fingers out, as if you're about to slap your little brother. It is always delivered horizontally. Never vertically. Vertical paper is for hoodlums and misfits, and we don't stand for it. Paper is traditionally thrown palm down, but may be delivered palm up, which is called the Subpoena. Serving the Subpoena is considered arrogant, but can be very effective when used properly.

The action

The pump consists of closing a fist, holding it out in front of your body with elbow bent at a 45-degree angle, and thrusting it up and down three times. This must be done IN SYNC with the opposing player. Players are allowed to chant ``RO-SHAM-BO'' to help get in sync, In fact, it is even encouraged.

The shoot is when a player actually delivers the throw. It comes after the first three pumps. Players may follow shouting ``ro-sham-bo'' with ``shoot.'' The delivery of the shoot must be in sync with the opponent. If the shoot or the pump is not in sync at any time, the referee may declare the action dead, or penalize the player at fault. Point is: Be in sync. Seriously.

Each ``engagement'' begins with a referee raising his hand vertically between the two opponents and saying the word ``engage!'' (Please note; in international play, this is commonly stated as ``en garde.'') The referee's call cues the players to ``pump.'' It can also be a clever time to propose to your girlfriend. If for some reason you don't have a referee, it is up to the players to cue the action.

The gameplay

Each throw is considered an ``engagement.'' The best of three engagements is a bout. The best of three bouts is a match. All referees' calls are final. Instant replay has not yet been instituted in RPS. There is no post-match arbitration allowed, so deal with it, crybaby.